Bayern Munich defended midfielder Franck Ribery after the Frenchman was heavily criticised by club honorary president Franz Beckenbauer. Ribery, who was recently linked with a move to European giants Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United, previously said that he'd like to join Los Merengues. The player's comments prompted Beckenbauer to doubt his commitment to Bayern. "Ribery only came to Bayern to make his name. He is a Frenchman and does not give a damn about Bayern," the Kaizer was quoted as saying by Bild. The 26-year-old winger joined Bayern in 2006 from Marseille. "Why did Ribery agree to sign a four-year contract if you only want to stay for three," Beckenbauer added.
Club Response The Bayern board were not happy to hear Beckenbauer hit out on Ribery. "Ribery has always behaved professionally, correctly and seriously. We have never had the impression that he would only use Bayern in order to further his own career," read a club statement. "He has always given himself and his abilities to the service of the team." Recent reports suggested that Ribery could use of the FIFA's article 17 in order to leave the Bavarians, but the board are confident such scenario will not happen. "Ribery has never commented on the possibility of making use of FIFA Article 17," the statement added.
